Albania Independence Day: November 28

Independence Day is a Public Holiday in Albania.

An Independence Day is an annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of a nation’s assumption of independent statehood. Most countries honor their respective independence day as a national holiday. Proclaiming Albanian independence after 500 years of Ottoman Turkish occupation; in a furthermore decisive act, the Congress officially issued the Vlore proclamation which marked the formal declaration of Albania’s independence on November 28th.

Albania Independence Day History

During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the legendary hero, Skanderbeg. Aside from this exception, the country did not enjoy independence until the twentieth century. After five hundred years of Ottoman domination, an independent Albania was proclaimed on the 28 November 1912.

Beginning with late 14th century the Ottoman Turks expanded their empire from Anatolia to the Balkans. By the 15th century, the Turks had brought under subjection nearly all of the Balkan Peninsula except for a small coastal strip which is included in present-day Albania. The Albanians’ resistance to the Turks in the mid-15th century won them acclaim all over Christian Europe. Albania became a symbol of resistance to the Ottoman Turks but suffered an almost continuous state of warfare. One of the most successful resistances against the invading Ottomans, was led by Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg from 1443 to 1468. Under a red flag bearing Skanderbeg’s heraldic emblem, an Albanian force of about 30,000 men held off Ottoman campaigns against their lands for twenty-four years.

The leadership of Skanderbeg was invincible, After the death of Skanderbeg, resistance continued until 1478, although with only moderate success. The loyalties and alliances created and nurtured by Skanderbeg faltered and fell apart, and the Ottomans conquered the territory of Albania shortly after the fall of Kruje’s castle. Albania then became part of the Ottoman Empire. This period also saw the rising of semi-autonomous Albanian ruled Pashaliks and Albanians were also an important part of the Ottoman army and Ottoman administration like the case of KöprĂĽlĂĽ family. Albania would remain a part of the Ottoman Empire as the provinces of Shkodra, Manastir and Yanya until 1912.

Albania Independence Day Customs and Activities

The Empire State has a longstanding tradition of acknowledging significant milestones and events of historic importance to its many citizens of Albanian ancestry. A popular celebration known as “Flag Day” is held annually within the Albanian community as a means of commemorating November 28, 1912 — a significant date in their history as a country and throughout the Albanian Diaspora.

Other interesting posts:

• Albania Celebrates Its Independence
• Liberation Day Commemorated in Albania
• Albania rejoices Mother Teresa Day

Republic Day Date: November 28

Republic Day is a public holiday in Chad.

Every year on November 28, Chad celebrates Proclamation of the Republic Day. Chad was part of the many colonies of France in Africa until 1960, the year they gained independence from France and were constituted as a Republic. But Chad has been left torn by civil wars and rebellions, often with clandestine support from the French power.

History of Republic Day

In 1900, the French named Chad as a military territory and its protectorate in Africa. By 1920, France achieved full control of Chad and incorporated it into what was called French Equatorial Africa. For France, Chad wasn’t worth much and was primarily exploited for its cheap untrained labor and cotton. France began a mass production of cotton using the citizens as laborers in 1929. Chad never was much of an investment for the French; they left the whole country almost abandoned without modernizing it or investing in education. After World War II, France gave Chad the status of overseas territory and conceded some liberties to its people. For example, France allowded for the creation of political parties and election of representatives to the Chadian Assembly. Finally, Chad was granted independence from France in August 11, 1960, and François Tombalbaye was named its first president.

Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Chad has been affected by a humanitarian crisis since 2001. According to the United Nations, there are hundreds of thousands of refugees in the country from Darfur and Central Africa Republic along with 170,000 internally displaced Chadians. Even so, holidays in Chad are celebrated with fun and joy. Republic Day is celebrated in a traditional way, and people from the different religions—from Christians to Muslims—are united in the celebration of Chad’s proclamation as a free Republic. The day may be celebrated by local communities with political assemblies and sports like football.

Other interesting posts:

• Chad Independence Day
• Chad Celebrates Freedom and Democracy Day
• Burkina Faso Commemorates the Proclamation of the Republic

Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Date: November 28

Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá is a religious observance for the followers of Bahá’Ă­.

On November 28, followers of the Bahá’Ă­ Faith worldwide commemorate the passing of `Abdu’l-Bahá in his house in Haifa in 1921. He was the eldest son and successor of Baha’u'llah, founder of the Bahá’Ă­ Faith. His funeral was attended by more than 10,000 mourners, representing every one of the diverse religions and ethnic communities in the Holy Land. His remains were laid to rest in a vault next to the vault of the Bab on Mount Carmel.

History of Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá

`Abdu’l-Bahá was born on May 23, 1844 in Tehran, Iran. His father was imprisoned when he was 8 years old, and it had a deep impact on his childhood. His family was left in poverty and persecuted in the streets. Little `Abdu’l-Bahá, after the release of his father from prison, had to follow him into exile in Baghdad. `Abdu’l-Bahá learned the teachings of his father and witnessed firsthand the persecutions of his message and the birth of the Bahá’Ă­ Faith. After his father, Bahá’u'lláh, died on May 29, 1892, the Will and Testament of his father named `Abdu’l-Bahá as Centre of the Covenant, the father being the legitimate successor and interpreter of Bahá’u'lláh’s writings. Also in the Will and Testament `Abdu’l-Bahá’s half-brother, Muhammad `AlĂ­ was placed as subordinate to the elder brother. Muhammad `AlĂ­ became jealous of his half-brother and went on with many efforts to undermine the half-brother’s authority. `Abdu’l-Bahá remained faithful to his father’s teachings, and during his life the Bahá’Ă­ Faith saw great expansion worldwide. His final years were spent in Palestine where he was officially recognized by the British Mandate of Palestine for his humanitarian efforts during World War I and awarded a knighthood. `Abdu’l-Bahá died in his home in Haifa, aged 77, in 1921.

Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá is one of only two days that work is suspended for the Bahá’Ă­ followers. The other is the Anniversary of the Birth of `Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’Ă­s are advised that there must be a celebration on this day, if possible to be organized to occur at 1:00 AM, coinciding with the hour that `Abdu’l-Bahá died. Since there are no prescribed ceremonies or religious practices it is usually celebrated in a gathering with prayers, music, and devotional readings with solemnity and reverence for the memory of `Abdu’l-Bahá.

Other interesting posts:

• Ascension of Baha’u'llah Commemorated by Followers of Bahá’í
• Bahá’i Celebrates the Birth of the Baha’u'llah
• The First Day of Ridván Festival Celebrated by Followers of Bahá’í

Independence Day Date: November 28

Independence Day is a public holiday in Albania.

Dita e PavarĂ«sisĂ« (“Independence Day” in English) was declared in 1912 by Ismail Qemali, founder of the modern Albanian state and its first head of state and government. After five hundred years of Ottoman domination, an independent Albania was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. On this day the Albanian flag was raised by Ismail Quemali in Flora, Albania to publicly proclaim the independence of Albania from its Ottoman authorities.

History of Independence Day

During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the legendary hero, Skanderbeg. Aside from this period of rule, the country did not enjoy independence until the twentieth century. During the 19th century, Albanians resisted the Turks attempts to assimilate Albania. The leaders of Albania led their country with the rallying cry “The religion of Albanians is Albanianism!” They formed the Albanian League in 1878 to unite the country, adopt a new alphabet, and develop the native language, education, and literature. In 1908, the Albanians fought again, and by 1912, they succeeded in making the Turks agree to their demands for autonomy.

Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Different ceremonies and concerts are organized to celebrate the historic day of Independence, especially in Tirana. The Albanian flag is ceremonially raised in Tirana, Albania’s capital, with the presence of the President, Prime Minister, Tirana’s mayor, and other officials. They also visit the national martyrs’ cemetery. Concerts in the center of Tirana feature famous Albanian singers and dancers. Even in the coldest of winters, many young people come out to the streets wrapped up in Albanian flags, while many Albanians stay home and watch the ceremonies on TV.

Other interesting posts:

• Albania marks Independence Day
• Liberation Day Commemorated in Albania
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Panama Independence Day: November 28

Independence from Spain is a Public Holiday in Panama.

Panama celebrates its Independence from Spain on November 28th every year. The city of Los Santos preempted the move by proclaiming freedom from Spain on November 10, 1821. This act precipitated a meeting in Panama City on November 28, which is celebrated as the official date of independence.

Panama Independence from Spain History

Panama’s history has been shaped by its strategic location between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. The native Cuevas and Cocole tribes quickly disappeared after the Spanish arrived with their weapons and diseases in the early 16th century. Panama City, on the Pacific coast, thrived as Spain conquered and plundered Peru. Caravans loaded with gold traveled overland across the narrow isthmus from Panama City to be loaded on galleons bound for Spain. However, this wealth attracted pirates and, in the early 1700s, Panama’s Caribbean shore was dotted with so many pirate strongholds that shippers chose instead to sail around Cape Horn to Peru.

Panama’s importance rapidly declined, and Spain did not contest its inclusion as a province of Colombia when that country won its independence from Spain in 1821. In 1819, when the liberation of New Granada was clinched, and finally gaining its freedom, Panama along with other regions of Colombia was therefore technically freed and independent as apart of Colombia, but it was still in the clutches of Spain and remained so until 1821, but yet Panama was still was loyal to Spain but began their plans of liberation and independence to join the new nation as it was already apart of Colombia.

Panama was a royalist stronghold and outpost in and as a apart of Colombia. Therefore, and because of all this and the events that occurred in the rest of Colombia (Nueva Granada or New Granada) it joined the independence bandwagon like most of the other Latin American regions and colonies, in 1821, which would later become new nations, of course. While Panama was of great historical importance to the Spanish Empire, the differences in social and economic status between the more liberal area of Azuero, and the much more royalist and conservative area of Veraguas displayed contrasting perspectives.

It is, in fact, known that when the Grito de la Villa de Los Santos occurred, Veraguas firmly opposed the motion for independence.

Panama Independence Traditions , Customs and Activities

Panama celebrates its independence from Spain with parades in Panama City. One of the things one can always count on, every year is that it will rain on the parade. The majority of the participants are schools and their bands.

Panamanians are known for celebrating their holidays with big parades, although November in Panama is known for its unpredictable rains. There is traditional folklore dancing in the streets where both children and adults dress in traditional costumes—a pollera and a montuno—and dance El Tamborito or El Atravesao, traditional dances. Street vendors will sell meat on sticks, hot dogs, and kebabs. There are games to be played and lots of entertainment.

Other interesting posts:

• Panama Independence Day
• Panama Celebrates Flag Day
• Foundation of Panama

Mauritania National Day: November 28

National Day is a public holiday in Mauritania.

The National Day is a designated date on which celebrations mark the nationhood of a nation or non-sovereign country. On November 28, 1960, Mauritania declared its independence. This nationhood can be symbolized by the date of independence, of becoming republic or a significant date for a patron saint or a ruler. The National Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Mauritania.

Mauritania National Day History

Mauritania did not exist as an independent political unit before 1960. The country was created by colonial France in close alliance with the Arab-Berber theocracy in the Trarza region. The motives for creating the country was to build a bridge between French black West African colonies and Algeria and block the expansionist aspirations of proponents of a greater Morocco. European traders began to show interest in Mauritania in the 15th century. France gained control of the coastal region in 1817, and in 1904 a formal French protectorate was extended over the territory. Morocco opposed the country’s independence in 1960 and for a time tried to absorb it. The political crisis in France that saw the birth of the French Fifth Republic in 1958 necessitated a new French constitution.

In 1958, this new constitution provided for a French Community whose members would be autonomous republics. But status as an autonomous member of the French Community quickly lost its appeal as Mauritania witnessed the wave of nationalism sweeping the African continent. As soon as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed in October 1958, the Territorial Assembly changed its name to the Constituent Assembly and immediately initiated work to draft a national constitution; the document was unanimously adopted by the Constituent Assembly in March 1959 in place of the French constitution, and on November 28, 1960, Mauritania declared its independence.

Mauritania National Day Customs and Activities

People celebrate the day of independence with great pride and honour for their nation. Flag is hosted in the gathering of thousands of people and many patriotic events take place during the day long celebrations. At home people take full advantage of the public holiday and make many delicious meals enjoyed by family and friends.

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• Mauritania Armed Forces Day
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